“AI Futures” Hackathon held at Laney College

Introduction

The “AI Futures” Hackathon, organized by the Laney College AI Department and collaborating with Mission College with support at the Bay Area AI Center of Excellence (BAAICOE), is a dynamic event designed to cultivate emerging AI talent and drive innovation in our community.

This 48-hour in-person hackathon will empower participants to develop AI-based solutions for pressing real-world challenges. We invite you to participate with us in this impactful event and help shape the future of AI.

Hackathon Details

The “AI Futures” Hackathon will be held at Laney College on June 7th and 8th. Participants will collaborate in teams to develop solutions within the following challenge areas:

• Empowering Local Communities: Developing business solutions that directly benefit underserved populations and address specific community needs.
• Transforming Education: Exploring AI’s potential to revolutionize learning, personalize education, and improve accessibility for all students.
• Advancing Healthcare: Creating innovative AI applications to improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and optimize healthcare delivery.
• Pioneering Autonomous Systems: Designing and developing cutting-edge AI solutions for the next generation of automation, including but not limited to, applications in robotics, transportation, and environmental monitoring.

The primary goals of the “AI Futures” Hackathon are to:

• Drive Innovation for Community Impact: Provide a collaborative platform for participants to develop AI-driven solutions that address real-world challenges faced by local communities.
• Foster AI Talent Development: Empower participants to enhance their AI skills through handson experience, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities, preparing them for future careers in this rapidly evolving field. Participants will have access to workshops and mentorship from industry professionals throughout the event.
• Build a Stronger AI Community: Connect students, educators, industry professionals, and community members to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Impact and Application:
  • Description: How significantly does the solution address a relevant problem and improve quality of life? A great project starts with a great impact.
  • Examples: Solutions that address food insecurity, provide access to essential services, or improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
  • Evaluation: Does the project have a feasible application in the real world? Is it something that someone could use or that would have a tangible benefit?
• Creativity and Innovation:
  • Description: How unique and novel is the idea?
  • Examples: Solutions that leverage AI in new ways, propose original approaches to existing problems, or demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking.
  • Evaluation: Has this been done before, or is it a new idea? Does the project use creativity to brainstorm a new solution, or is it simply replicating an existing one?
• Technical Sophistication and Innovation:
  • Description: The advanced nature of the technologies and frameworks used in the project.
  • Examples: Use of cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, novel applications of AI, or integration of advanced software engineering practices.
  • Evaluation: Does the project utilize any cutting-edge technologies or methodologies? How well does the code adhere to best practices in software development? Does the team display a strong understanding of the technology used?
• Professionalism and User Experience:
  • Description: The overall design, usability, and presentation of the project.
  • Examples: A well-designed user interface, intuitive navigation, and a polished presentation.
  • Evaluation: Does the project include industry-grade UI and UX elements? Is it easy to navigate for a first-time user?
• Functionality and Quality:
  • Description: The extent to which the project works as intended and is free of errors.
  • Examples: A fully functional application, a robust codebase, and a seamless user experience.
  • Evaluation: Is the project free of major bugs? Does it look appealing?
• Presentation:
  • Description: The clarity, organization, and persuasiveness of the team’s presentation of their project.
  • Examples: A well-structured pitch, clear communication of the problem and solution, and effective use of visual aids.
  • Evaluation: How effectively did the team communicate the value and functionality of their project to the judges?
• Ethical Considerations:
  • Description: The extent to which the project considers and addresses potential ethical implications.
  • Examples: Consideration of data privacy, bias in algorithms, and responsible use of AI.
  • Evaluation: Does the project demonstrate an awareness of the ethical considerations related to AI development and deployment?
  • Group participation will be in teams of 2 to 4 members, comprising a mix of high school, community college, and university students, as well as other participants. Each group can select a project relevant to the focused areas mentioned above.

Submission Requirements

The submission process will occur in two phases:

Phase 1: Initial Submission (Deadline: June 1st, 11:59 PM)

1. Create a GitHub Repository (Initial Step): Each participating group should initially create a GitHub repository (it can be public or private at this stage). If your repository is private, you must grant access to the designated judges. Specific instructions on how to grant access will be provided separately.
2. Email Confirmation of Intent: Send an email to the judges (the specific email address will be provided) to confirm your team’s intention to participate and the link to the initial GitHub repository you created. This must be done on or before June 1st, 11:59 PM
3. Receive Private Repository Access: The judges will then create a private GitHub repository for your team and email you an invitation link to access it.
4. Work on the Provided Private Repository: From this point onwards, your team should work exclusively within the private GitHub repository provided by the judges.

In-Person Participation Confirmation: On Saturday, June 7th, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, all participants must come to Laney College in person to:

• Confirm their participation.
• Receive their wristband.
• Gain access to the hackathon facilities.
• Collect meal tickets.
• After that, participants are welcome to stay for networking with other participants, mentors, and sponsors.

Phase 2: Final Code Submission (Deadline: June 8th, 9:59 AM)

1. Final Code Push: All final code and project files must be pushed to the private GitHub repository provided by the judges (during Phase 1) on or before 9:59 AM on Sunday, June 8th. Any code modifications after this time may result in disqualification for prizes.
2. README File and Project Image: Your repository must include:
   • An image of your project.
   • A README file (e.g., README.md) containing the following information:
     • Your team’s presentation table number.
     • The Hacker ID of one team member.

Important Note: All submitted projects must be original ideas developed specifically for this “AI Futures” Hackathon. Projects that have been submitted to other events or platforms will be disqualified from prize consideration.

Presentation and Awards

• Presentations: Sunday, June 8th, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Award Ceremony: Sunday, June 8th, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: $5,000
• 2nd Place: $3,000
• 3rd Place: $1,000
• 4th Place: $500
• 5th Place: Gift Cards

View the event and register on Eventbrite